37 apply for TISD superintendent spot

Interviews for the next Tyler ISD superintendent are under way after 37 people submitted applications.

The seven members of the TISD school board selected six candidates to interview in person.

The board held interviews Monday and Tuesday and plan to conduct more next week.

Board President the Rev. Orenthia Mason said in an emailed statement that interviews last from two to three hours with all seven board members asking questions.

“There was a great cross section of applicants, and all of them were very well qualified,” she said. “The board members have decided to interview only those applicants with previous superintendent experience.”

Once the first round of interviews are completed, the board will evaluate and rate the applicants, then decide if a second round is needed, the Rev. Mason said.

“The Board of Trustees takes the responsibility of hiring a new superintendent very seriously,” she said. “We have reviewed the comments received from the citizens and will take this information into consideration as we make a decision about who will become the next leader of the school district.”

District spokeswoman Dawn Parnell said the comments the Rev. Mason referred to came from the results of a brief questionnaire sent to members of the PTA, TISD strategic planning committee and the Tyler Area Business Education Council, among other groups.

The board plans to hire an interim superintendent to oversee the district while trustees complete the interview and hiring process. Superintendent Gary Mooring announced his retirement due to health reasons.

The board is expected to announce the interim superintendent at a Monday meeting. The Rev. Mason said trustees are not yet sure how long the interim superintendent will have to serve.